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The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck manufactured by the Toyota Motor Company since 1995. It is essentially the Toyota Hilux modified and rebadged for North America. The second-generation Tacoma was Motor Trend Magazine's Truck of the Year for 2005. The Toyota Tacoma is named after the City of Tacoma, in Washington State, USA. First generation (1995–2004) The Tacoma name was introduced in 1995, originating from the worldwide Hilux. The Hilux was sold in the United States until 1995 (simply as a "Toyota Truck"). There were a total of three engines available for the Toyota Tacoma: the 2.4 L four cylinder rated at 142 hp (106 kW) and 160 lb-ft (217 N-m) of torque, the 2.7 L four cylinder rated at 150 hp (112 kW) and 177 lb-ft (240 N-m) of torque, and the 3.4 L six cylinder rated at 190 hp (142 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 N-m) of torque. The 2.4 L gave a highly useful 29 miles per US gallon (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg-imp) (hwy), the 2.7 L gave 26 miles per US gallon (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) (hwy), and the 3.4 L delivered 22 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) (hwy). Two-wheel drive Tacomas had 5-stud wheel lug patterns. The 2.4 L and 3.4 L engines were available in this vehicle depending on options. Automatic and manual transmissions were available. Four-wheel drive Tacomas had six-stud wheel lug patterns, which had been used on the prior pickups (pre-Tacoma trucks). The truck's frame is fully boxed until immediately after the front leaf spring mount bracket where is transitions into a c-frame section. The 3.4 V6's manual transmission was an R150F while the automatic transmission was an A340F (Aisin code is 30-40LE). From 95-97 Single cab Tacomas had the option of a manual transmission with the 3.4 V6 engine. From 98 on, the single cabs only got a 2.7 or a 2.4 4-cyl from factory. TRD packages started in 98 (if the V6 engine was selected, a differential locker in the rear came with it). Prerunner models started in 98. They share the same front and rear suspension parts and geometry, frame, styling and engine options as the 4x4 Tacomas of this year range. Prerunner Tacomas also had the option of the TRD Off-Road package which (like the 4x4) got a rear differential locker if it was a V6 model (among other suspension variations). One downside is there was not option of a 5-speed transmission. The V6 Tacoma automatic transmissions were an A340E. Because of the similarities in the Prerunner and 4x4 models, it is possible to use stock parts to convert a Prerunner to a 4x4. However, in the online Toyota community this not advised. The only extra feature in 2001 was a new crew cab (four door) model added to the lineup. The crew cab featured four doors, while the extended cabs still opened with two doors. The extended cab featured a 6-foot (2 m) bed while the crew cab featured a 5-foot-5-inch (1.7 m) bed. Many customers were upset with small crew cab beds, but most competitors shared this shortcoming. In 2001, along with the front facelift, Toyota had also unveiled an S-Runner trim package which included the 3.4 liter V6 engine. It came with 16-inch (410 mm) alloy wheels, and a 5 speed manual transmission with Tokico Gas shocks. There were only 200 produced each month from 2001-2004. By 2003 the Tacoma had gained 16.5 percent sales from its previous years. The Tacoma's popularity only increased in the next few years. By 2004 it was ahead of the Nissan Frontier, and Dodge Dakota, but still 2.2 percent behind in sales to the Ford Ranger they also led the way against fullsize trucks. Second generation (2005–present) At the 2004 Chicago Auto Show, Toyota unveiled a bigger and more powerful Tacoma. This new Tacoma was available in eighteen different configurations, that included three cab configurations, four transmissions, two engines, and two bed lengths. The Tacoma's 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 took the place of the original 3.4-liter V6. The new V6 had many enhancements, such as a new 6500 pound tow rating, and a payload capacity of 1650 pounds. It produces 236 horsepower (176 kW) and 266 foot-pounds of torque. The smaller, but all-new 2.7-liter 2TR-FE 4-cylinder alternative in less expensive models is rated at 159 hp (119 kW) and 180 lb-ft (244 N-m). of torque. Toyota also introduced an X-Runner trim, which replaces the slow selling S-Runner trim from the previous generation. The X-Runner features the 1GR-FE paired to a six speed manual transmission, 18 in (457 mm) alloy wheels, lowered two inches from the factory and included an X-Brace suspension package. Toyota also included a Down-Hill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-Side Assist Control (HAC), with models that were equipped with the optional Toyota Racing Development (TRD) packages. A locking rear differential, or limited-slip differential were also some optional features. Every Tacoma was manufactured with a composite inner bed that includes a deck rail system with four tie down cleats, hook-pins, storage boxes, and a power outlet (models with TRD packages). The tie down cleats are rated to hold up to 220 lb (100 kg). The 2006 model Tacoma was a bit different from the 2005 model. The 2006 model made some options standard. Minor changes have been made to the 2007 models such as new engine which runs on regular gasoline and delivers better fuel economy than the previous models, and the seating system was updated. Toyota also added 2 new interior colors for 2007 model year. In Canada, the Tacoma is in the 2009 model year, it had received a new 6-disc CD player, new steering wheel controls, and a VSC system. The 2009 Tacoma will be introduced in the United States in late 2008. Safety and structural integrity The Tacoma comes standard with anti-lock brakes, brake assist, and electronic brakeforce distribution. In 2008, a rollover sensor was added which would deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of rollover in Tacomas equipped with the optional side airbags. Beginning with the 2009 model year, all Tacoma's feature Toyota's Star Safety System which added Vehicle Stability Control. Front row side torso airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows also become standard as well as active headrests. Given the smaller size of pickup trucks in the Tacoma's category, crash testing for these sized trucks lags with how well most full size trucks perform. However, in an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test of the Tacoma and other small trucks, only the side airbag equipped Tacoma received the highest overall rating of "Good" in the side impact test. The Tacoma also is rated "Good" in the frontal offset crash test. And in 2009 the Tacoma is given the IIHS's Top Safety Pick award. X-Runner Specific The Toyota X-Runner is a limited production trim. The X-Runner is only available in three colors per year, and only four colors total. From 2005-2008 the X-Runner is available in Speedway Blue, Radiant Red and Black Sand Pearl. In 2009 Radiant Red was discontinued and replaced with Barcelona Red Metallic. Key differences between the X-Runner and the other packages include tweaks to the suspension and added ground effects. Aftermarket performance for the 1GRFE 4.0L motor has grown rapidly from Q4 of 2007 to the present. Many intakes, exhausts, and headers are available for the motor. During the summer of 2008 Allan Phillips Racing released the APR X-1 ECU Controller, a piggyback ECU designed specifically for the Toyota Tacoma 4.0L ECU (though also compatible with the FJ Cruiser). The X-1 comes with a Stage 1 kit which includes exhaust timing gears and a 170* t-stat. NST and TTC Performance have recently released new engine components for the 1GRFE motor. NST released a lightweight pulley system - crank pulley, alternator pulley, and water pump pulley (with more in development). The pulleys are OEM size but lighter in weight to reduce drivetrain loss. TTC Performance released a couple different cams configurations as well as forged pistons. Also newly available for the 4.0L motor is a Fidanza lightweight aluminum flywheel available from Paradise Racing. Paradise Racing also have the Competition Clutch Stage II and Stage IV clutch kits available.
Toyota Racing Development Since 1996 Toyota added a new Toyota Racing Development (TRD) off road package. The package includes off road tires, 16 inch alloy wheels, TRD shocks, a locking rear differential, and the TRD graphics. In 2003 Toyota introduced a TRD sport package on the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup. This package was not available until 2005 for the Tacoma. This package includes street performance tires, 17 inch alloy wheels, shocks, race inspired hood, and TRD sport graphics. It is also about 200 dollars more expensive than the original TRD off road package. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) today (10-30-2007) announced that a TRD supercharger for the Toyota FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle (SUV) and Tacoma pickup truck equipped with 4.0-liter V6 engines is now available through Toyota dealerships. The TRD supercharger will increase both engines' output up to 304 horsepower (227 kW) from the original horsepower (236 hp for Tacoma, 239 hp (178 kW) for FJ Cruiser), while increasing the torque output up to 334 foot-pounds force (453 N-m). Both horsepower and torque ratings are SAE net. This all-new TRD supercharger is compatible on all 2005 through 2008 model year Toyota Tacoma trucks, and 2007 and 2008 model year FJ Cruiser SUV. This supercharger system features Eaton roots-type rotating components in a one-piece integral manifold, iridium spark plugs, and a five-rib serpentine drive belt system. In addition it produces six to eight pounds of boost pressure per square inch. U.S. sales Yearly Calendar Year Sales 2000 147,295 2001 161,983 2002 151,960 2003 154,154 2004 152,933 2005 168,831 2006 178,351 2007 173,238 2008 144,655 Tacoma sales in the U.S. have risen steadily in the past few years. By 2004 (calendar year) it lagged the perennial segment leader, the Ford Ranger, by just 2.2%; a year later it was leading by nearly 40% and in 2006, it had extended that lead to an impressive 93%. Toyota sells around 190,000 Tacomas annually. In 2005 Toyota Motor Corporation sold 189,987 Tacomas, better than any other compact pickup in its class. Tacoma sales make about 10 percent of Toyota Motor Corporations annual sales. From March 2006 to March 2007 Tacoma sales have steadily risen. In March 2006 Toyota sold 9,185 (4x2) Tacomas, in March 2007 Toyota sold 10,851 (4x2) Tacomas. Over the summer of 2007 Toyota broke records selling over 60,000 Tacomas in a 3 month period. Consumer reports show an increase in sales (up 7.6 percent from August 2006).
